River blindness

River blindness, also known as Onchocerciasis, is a disease caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus. It is transmitted through the bites of infected blackflies of the Simulium species, which breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams, mostly in remote villages located near fertile land where people rely on agriculture.

Symptoms and signs

The symptoms and signs of river blindness include severe itching, skin lesions, and visual impairment, including blindness. The disease can cause a reduced lifespan, decreased economic productivity, and social stigma.

Cause

River blindness is caused by the parasitic worm Onchocerca volvulus, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected blackflies of the Simulium species. The blackflies breed in fast-flowing rivers and streams, mostly in remote villages located near fertile land where people rely on agriculture.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of river blindness involves a skin snip biopsy to detect microfilariae in the skin. Other diagnostic methods include an antibody test and an antigen test.

Treatment

Treatment for river blindness is primarily with the medication ivermectin, which kills the microfilariae. In some cases, the antibiotic doxycycline is used to kill the bacteria inside the worm.

Epidemiology

River blindness is the second-most common cause of blindness due to infection, after trachoma. It affects millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa, although it has been eliminated in some areas through successful public health campaigns.

Prevention

Prevention of river blindness involves controlling the blackfly population and mass treatment of at-risk populations with ivermectin.

See also

• Neglected tropical diseases
• Parasitic diseases
• Tropical medicine

River blindness Resources
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